When to plant sunflower in Alaska
Alaska spans USDA zones 2a–6a, so the right time to plant sunflower shifts by weeks across the state. The window to sow seed directly outdoors runs from about May 3 in Juneau city and to May 22 in Badger — below are local dates for 7 cities, each computed from its own frost dates.
| City | Zone | Last frost | First frost | Direct sow |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Anchorage | 5a | May 16 | September 20 | May 16 – June 6 |
| Fairbanks | 2a | May 16 | September 6 | May 16 – June 6 |
| Juneau city and | 6a | May 3 | October 14 | May 3 – May 24 |
| Knik-Fairview | 5a | May 18 | September 20 | May 18 – June 8 |
| Badger | 2a | May 22 | September 2 | May 22 – June 12 |
| College | 2b | May 18 | September 6 | May 18 – June 8 |
| North Lakes | 5a | May 16 | September 23 | May 16 – June 6 |
Sunflower in Alaska: FAQ
When can I plant sunflower in Alaska?
Across Alaska, the time to direct-sow sunflower spans roughly May 3 in Juneau city and to May 22 in Badger, each following that city's local frost dates.
Does the sunflower planting date vary across Alaska?
Yes. Alaska publishes 7 cities with their own frost dates, so the right sunflower planting window shifts by weeks between the warmest and coldest parts of the state — use your city's page for the exact dates.
How long does sunflower take to grow in Alaska?
Sunflower takes about 70–100 days to reach harvest once planted — check that this fits inside your city's frost-free season on its place page.
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